2014 NLRSD Community Report

NLR 20 SD 1 5 RE PORT TO T HE COMMUNI TY

Rendering of the new North Little Rock High School performing arts space by DLR Group

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NO RT H LITTLE ROCK S CH O OL DISTRICT ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Amboy Boone Park Crestwood Glenview Indian Hills Lakewood Meadow Park North Heights Park Hill Pike View Redwood Early Childhood Seventh Street

SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Lakewood Middle School Ridgeroad Middle School North Little Rock Academy (grades 6-12) North Little Rock High School

MISSION STATEMENT

The North Little Rock School District and the community will provide for achievement, accountability, acceptance and the necessary assets in the pursuit of each student’s educational success.

VISION STATEMENT World Class Schools for World Class Students

SCHOOL DISTRICT FACTS

• The NLRSD has more than 700 teachers.

• There are more than 9,200 students enrolled in the 2014-15 school year.

• The average class size is 26.

• There are 12 elementary schools, • There are 4 secondary schools.

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Photo by Brian Chilson

S uperintendent ’ s

MESSAGE

By virtue of our entire community’s commitment to academic success, our district continues to construct new facilities throughout the city. You can be certain we take pride as a school community in continually raising the bar and setting the standards of the education our children deserve.

The new facilities will increase our ability to bring technology and STEM education, and place emphasis on arts and project-based learning to every classroom. Our emphasis will prepare your children to be college and career ready to compete in the 21st century.

This year, 2014, marks the opening of our first new campus in 45 years. Meadow Park Elementary sets the standard for schools of the future in North Little Rock. One of my favorite moments is dropping in on our kindergartners as they begin a journey for their graduation year — 2027! Just imagine what the future holds for these young scholars.

The North Little Rock School District opened the year with an enrollment of more than 9,200 students. We welcome each of these children and their families into our academic community.

I believe you’ll find a unique commitment here to helping every student, parent and staff member with a servant-leadership vision.

As we embark on another school year, I want to thank our staff, parent volunteers and students who so thoughtfully prepared for our first day.

Our commitment to our community is to serve and care for every student and ensure our educational team is truly “World Class.”

Kelly Rodgers, Superintendent

Photo by Brian Chilson

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CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

The North Little Rock School District is dedicated to its students’ academic success. The capital improvement plan will create new and improved facilities to enhance student learning through technology, arts and projects. Following its motto, the district is committed to providing students with a “world class” education so they can be globally competitive.

Some of NLRSD’s key academic successes and programs include providing free ACT exams to all 11th graders and recognition of three National PTA Reflections winners from Indian Hills and Meadow Park elementary schools.

Here is an overview of some of the district’s other exciting programs.

PROJECT LEAD THE WAY

Students are learning engineering skills through projects-based lessons, as well as activity- and problem-based curricula. This program gives students the chance to lead their own learning by identifying and solving unique problems.

Project Lead the Way Engineering is offered to students at North Little Rock High School. The program allows students to apply their science, technology, engineering and math skills to solving real-life problems.

Project Lead the Way Launch is being piloted at the district’s elementary schools. This program teaches problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, where students apply STEM knowledge and their own skills.

RACHEL’S CHALLENGE

Rachel’s Challenge includes a series of student-empowering and educatormotivating programs and strategies called the Awaken the Learner FiveStep School Improvement Process that equips students and adults to create and sustain safe, caring and supportive learning environments essential for academic achievement.

The programs are based on the writings and life of 17-year-old Rachel Scott, who was the first student killed at Columbine High School in 1999. Rachel left a legacy of reaching out to those who were different, who were picked on by others or who were new at her school.

The program is implemented at the North Little Rock School District’s middle schools.

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COMPUTER CODING AND ROBOTICS

All sixth graders in the North Little Rock School District will be taking a computer coding class. Middle school students will also have the opportunity to be involved with robotics classes. Keeping students excited about learning and engaged is the key to academic success.

By the time these students are juniors in high school, there will be 1 million jobs in these fields in the United States that cannot be filled due to the lack of trained workers.

ADE GRANT AWARD

The North Little Rock School District was recently awarded a matching-fund grant of more than $265,000 from the Arkansas Department of Education.

The district will use the funds to expand and improve computer networks and internet access, including wireless internet. It is projected that the funds will increase internet capacity by four times the current speed.

NORTH LITTLE ROCK COMMUNITY FARM AWARDS

The Community Farm is also a national award-winning EAST Project.

The student-run farm aims to produce a food supply and focuses on feeding the homeless, including NLRSD students.

The North Little Rock Community Farm, based at the North Little Rock High freshman campus, recently won Regions Bank’s “What a Difference a Day Makes” competition. The farm project was awarded a $5,000 prize and 100 volunteer hours from the bank and its associates.

Background photo: Lakewood Middle School students demonstrate 3-D printing as part of EAST Initiative Other EAST Initiative components include robotics (left), graphic design and using programs like GarageBand.

Photos by Brian Chilson

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AMERICAN COLLEGE TESTING (ACT) 20.8

AVG Composite Score

20.6

20.4

20.2

20

19.8

19.6

2009-2010

2010-2011

2011-2012

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2012-2013

Arkansas

2013-2014

Athletics

Over the past year, the North Little Rock School District has had many athletic accomplishments, including winning championships and awards, and the signings of key players to colleges and universities. There are also big changes for the athletic facilities in the works.

NEW ATHLETIC FACILITIES

The old football stadium and track were demolished after the 2013 football season. The school district is using the facilities at Burns Park for football practice, baseball, softball and soccer. The football and soccer teams will move into a new stadium in 2015. Demolition will begin on the old gym at the high school this fall.

All track teams (grades 7-12) are using the old East Campus track. All football teams (grades 7-12) are playing all of their games on the road. The high school team is using War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock for their 2014 home football games.

“The new school and stadium will make a positive impact in our community, and we are excited about the future of the North Little Rock School District,” says Athletic Director Gary Davis.

K.J. Hill

CHAMPIONSHIPS & AWARDS

SIGNINGS

2013-14 back-to-back 7A State Girls Softball Champions

Anton Beard signed with the Arkansas Razorback basketball team.

2013 State Football Semi-Finalists

Razorback football has an oral commitment from K.J. Hill this year.

2013-14 back-to-back 7A State Boys Basketball Champions

2013-14 6A/7A Conference All Sports Award

Photos Courtesy of the NLRSD

Juan Day signed with the Arkansas Razorback football team.

The University of Florida basketball team has an oral commitment from Kevaughn Allen this year.

A cademic A wards & A chievements

The North Little Rock School District — its teachers, students and curricula — are all award winning. Recent achievements cover academia, school environments and other areas.

2014-15 TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Kathi Kite is the 2014-15 North Little Rock School District Teacher of the Year.

Kite currently serves as facilitator in the EAST Initiative Program at the North Little Rock High School Freshman Campus. She has 29 years of experience in education, and has taught for 22 at the NLRSD. Kite, fondly referred to by students as “KJ” or “Coach Kite” said, “Growing up, I got to watch two of the most influential people in my life inspire, and be inspired by kids every day, my mom and grandma. I saw firsthand the impact one person could have on our world through each student, and I knew I wanted that to be my legacy.”

Kite believes, “It is my responsibility to reach each student and make education meaningful in each of their lives. I believe kids need to feel sincerity, kindness and an absolute love from their teachers.

“Every kid’s story is different, and to understand a kid, you have to know the kid, their environment, likes, dislikes and something they are passionate about. And, if that passion has not yet been discovered, I believe it is my job to help them find the path to their dream. I believe my story, my passion, is created from helping to mold a kid into not just a great student but a great person. I believe our kids are not just future leaders, but that they lead our world now. I believe if you are a teacher, you genuinely love, kid-by-kid, day-by-day.

“Developing partnerships within our community has enabled our EAST program to grow tremendously. I am so honored to get to teach kids the life skills of being self-sufficient, while at the same time teaching them the importance of working united as a team.”

ACHIEVEMENTS IN INSTRUCTION & LEARNING • 5 National Board Certified Teachers • 12 International Baccalaureate Diplomas • 117 Senior & 139 Junior Arkansas Scholars • The class of 2014 received scholarships totaling nearly $7.5 million.

EAST INITIATIVE

The North Little Rock School District’s EAST Initiative has won several awards recently. These awards include: • Winner of the Students for Healthy Communities Application Showcase Competition • EAST Founder’s Program of Excellence Community and Collaboration Award • Superior EAST Program Award • EAST Initiative National Service Project “Health & Wellness Award” for the North Little Rock Community Farm

AWARD-WINNING ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Glenview Elementary received the Outstanding Educational Performance Award from the University of Arkansas. The school was one of three to qualify for this award because it exceeded the state’s elementary school GPA literacy average: 81% scored Proficient and Advanced in third, fourth and fifth grades for literacy benchmark scores. The school has 96% free and reduced meal status.

SEVENTH STREET ELEMENTARY WAS RANKED: • No. 14 in the Top 22 Most Improved Elementary Schools in the State based on Benchmark Literacy Achievement • No. 5 in the Top 5 Most Improved Elementary Schools in Central Arkansas based on Benchmark Literacy Achievement • No. 12 in the Top 20 Most Improved Elementary schools in the State based on Benchmark Math Achievement • No. 4 in the Top 5 Most Improved Elementary schools in Central Arkansas Based on Benchmark Math Achievement

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Photos by Brian Chilson

REVENUE & EXPENSES REVENUE LOCAL $35,520,589.65

Property Taxes, Excess Commission, Land Sale, Severance Tax

FEDERAL $7,860,005.93

Title I, Title II-A (school improvement), Title III (ELL), Title VI-B (Special Ed), Early Childhood Special Ed, Medicaid Catastrophic, ARMAC, ROTC, and Carl Perkins

STATE $55,489,674.12

Foundation GT, 98%, LEP, Student Growth/Decline, ABC, NSLA, Indirect Costs, ALE, Debt Service, DHS Infant Toddler, PD, Smart Start, Pathwise, M-To-M, Catastrophic, Gen Facilities Fund, Early Childhood Special Ed

OTHER $1,202,725.00

All activities accounts, interest on investments, school rental property, rental of school facilities, other misc revenue

EXPENSES PURCHASE SERVICES $14,067,013.03 OTHER $7,343,252.66 CAPITAL OUTLAY $720,187.13 MATERIAL & SUPPLIES $9,980,443.06

NLRSD COMMUNITY REPORT 9

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NORTH LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT

ON THE WEB

The North Little Rock School District launched a new website (nlrsd.org) on Aug. 1, 2014.

The new site is much more user-friendly and visual, allowing for video postings and lots more. The website is updated every other day. Teachers can create their own pages and student achievements can be celebrated.

As needs change, the website is expanding. Currently, the site hosts videos, employment information, immunization requirements, grant awards, progress of the capital improvement plan, a calendar, school board information and contact information for everyone in the district. An “Academics” tab is in the works to provide information about the district’s programs that will help get students ready for college and career, says Gwen Leger, who is in charge of the website and serves as 11th and 12th grade counselor.

– SOCIAL MEDIA –

In addition to the new website, the North Little Rock School District has increased its social media presence in an effort to “inform and receive feedback from our community,” says Leger.

Facebook and Twitter are used to communicate with parents and provide the most up-todate announcements because the public can be reached quickly and efficiently. This also provides parents an easy way to ask questions and get answers quickly.

“We are finding that parents are beginning to use the venues as a forum to assist each other,” Leger says.

These social media sites, along with YouTube, are also used to celebrate student achievement.

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Community

The North Little Rock School District plays a valuable role in the city of North Little Rock and surrounding community. Kelly Rodgers, the NLRSD superintendent, meets regularly with North Little Rock Mayor Joe Smith and North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer Terry Hartwick. The district’s PTA Council President Laura Frost says parents play an invaluable role in the schools’ success. These individuals recognize the collaborative spirit and value the school district plays in the community of North Little Rock.

“North Little Rock is reaping huge benefits from the amazing success of our school district. Their brilliant EAST curriculum is training our next generation of engineers and scientists. Major awards in performing arts, band and quiz bowls have become almost commonplace. Our athletic department is one big, constant commercial for successful teamwork, dedication and fun.

You can’t have a great city without great schools. Our residents recognized the opportunity before us and voted to provide the next generation of leaders with one of the best educational experiences in the nation. And we aren’t slowing down either.

Educating our kids is one of the most important things we will do and I couldn’t be more proud of how we’re doing here in North Little Rock. Our superintendent and school board have done a wonderful job steering the ship and our teachers and support staff have worked so hard to make sure the vision of the board is implemented. The dedication they have for each individual child is truly remarkable.”

Joe Smith, Mayor of North Little Rock “The great thing about the new developments with our school district is that it was voted on by the citizens in the community. They know new schools and other improvements in North Little Rock are what makes our city a home, and it will only get better with time. Whenever I’m talking to new businesses about relocating

to our city, one of the first things they ask is ‘how is the school district?’ It’s great to be able to tell them about our new schools, high ACT scores, increased student population and all the activities there are for our kids.”

Terry Hartwick, President and Chief Executive Officer, North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce

“The North Little Rock School District has several active PTA and PTSA units. These groups not only raise thousands of dollars for needed equipment and supplies, but they also coordinate annual events, service projects and other activities. PTA provides an entry point for parents to become involved and encourages adults to take an active role at their child’s school.

There is a long history of tremendous parental involvement in North Little Rock schools. Parents and other adults provide much needed help both in and outside the classroom. Parent-led efforts generate hundreds if not thousands of volunteer hours in our schools each year. Many programs including Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) and various mentoring projects connect students with adults who serve as role models and encouragers.

Not only do parents and adults in the community contribute their time, they also serve as a voice for students by serving on various parent committees and advocating when the need arises.”

Laura Frost, PTA Council President, 2014-2015

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Capital

improvement plan The North Little Rock School District’s Capital Improvement Plan is focused on improving facilities to better provide educational opportunities for our students. This plan incorporates a combination of new construction, renovations and consolidation of facilities to achieve this goal. The rebuilding of the district includes consolidating facilities from 21 campuses to 13, which include nine elementary schools, one dedicated preschool, one middle school campus, one secondary academy and one dedicated high school.

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The Capital Improvement Plan is divided into two phases: • Phase I includes the construction of four new elementary schools and the beginning stages of a new high school and new stadium. • Phase II includes one new elementary school, four renovated elementary schools, one renovated preschool and the final stages of the new high school.

The new and renovated elementary schools will have improved safety and security, flexible spaces including discovery areas, natural lighting and a dedicated gymnasium. The new high school will be a state-of-the-art facility for grades 9-12. Standout improvements for the new high school include new practice gymnasiums, new performing arts spaces and new, large commons/ cafeteria area. This new construction fosters a personalized, studentcentered educational experience with strong connections to technology, career pathways and STEM learning.

Rendering of the new North Little Rock High School performing arts space by DLR Group

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PHASE I PROJECTS

AMBOY ELEMENTARY

New construction Groundbreaking: May 21, 2013 Planned completion: November 2014 Architects: DLR Group, Kansas City; Taggart Architects, North Little Rock Contractor: Baldwin & Shell Construction Co., Little Rock

BOONE PARK ELEMENTARY

New Construction Groundbreaking: May 22, 2013 Planned completion: December 2014 Architects: DLR Group, Kansas City; Taggart Architects, North Little Rock Contractor: Baldwin & Shell Construction Co., Little Rock

LAKEWOOD ELEMENTARY

MEADOW PARK ELEMENTARY

New Construction Groundbreaking: May 21, 2013 Planned completion: November 2014 Architects: DLR Group, Kansas City; Taggart Architects, North Little Rock Contractor: Baldwin & Shell Construction Co., Little Rock

New Construction Groundbreaking: May 21, 2013 Construction completed: August 2014 Architects: DLR Group, Kansas City; Taggart Architects, North Little Rock Contractor: Hydco, Inc., North Little Rock

HIGH SCHOOL COMPLEX New Construction Ground Breaking: May 22, 2013 Planned completion: August 2016 Architects: DLR Group, Kansas City; Taggart Architects, North Little Rock Contractor: Baldwin & Shell Construction Co., Little Rock

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PHASE II PROJECTS CRESTWOOD ELEMENTARY Renovation Groundbreaking: August 21, 2014 Planned Completio: December 2015 Architects: DLR Group, Kansas City; Taggart Architects, North Little Rock Contractor: Baldwin & Shell Construction Co., Little Rock

GLENVIEW ELEMENTARY INDIAN HILLS ELEMENTARY Renovation Groundbreaking: August 25, 2014 Planned completion: August 2015 Architects: Lewis, Elliott, McMorran, Vaden, Ragsdale & Woodward Architects, Little Rock Contractor: Nabholz Construction, Little Rock

New Construction Groundbreaking: August 21, 2014 Planned completion: July 2015 Architects: DLR Group, Kansas City; Taggart Architects, North Little Rock Contractor: Baldwin & Shell Construction Co., Little Rock

PIKE VIEW PRESCHOOL Renovation Ground Breaking: May 2015 Planned completion: October 2015 Architects: Taggart Architects, North Little Rock Contractor: Hydco, Inc., North Little Rock

SEVENTH STREET ELEMENTARY

HIGH SCHOOL SMALL LEARNING COMMUNITY 2

Renovation Groundbreaking: August 25, 2014 Planned completion: July 2015 Architects: Jackson, Brown, Palcuitt, Little Rock Contractor: Baldwin & Shell Construction Co., Little Rock

New Construction Construction Started: August 2014 Planned Completion Date: August 2016 Architects: DLR Group, Kansas City; Taggart Architects, North Little Rock Contractor: Baldwin & Shell Construction Co., Little Rock

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P.O. Box 687, 2700 Poplar Street North LittleRock, AR 72115 Mr. Kelly Rodgers, Superintendent of Schools

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